Across The Pond
Chapter 1
It was a conspiracy; Brian knew from the moment he got out of bed something was up and it wasn’t him. Brian’s first clue, which he chose to ignore, was the smug look on Justin’s angelic face. They all sat down to enjoy their light breakfast before checking out of the Plaza and returning to the lane. Their breakfast consisted of fresh fruit, coffee, tea or juice conveniently provided by room service, and a selection of Emmett’s delectable muffins.
In lieu of an after wedding brunch, JR and Jacq chose to send their guests home with a customizable gift basket of cheer. At the end of the reception, JR or Jacq presented a lovely basket filled with Emmett’s signature creations to each guest. Then the girls would offer them their choice of wine, or a craft beer. For non-alcohol drinkers, exotic juices and fine sparkling waters were offered. The girls, as planned, left their home early to drive to Philadelphia to spend a few days before flying to London.
Brian’s second and more obvious clue was when they all went down to the lobby to check out. Everyone disappeared leaving him and Bobby to handle the details. Clue number three came when the hotel manager took that opportunity to speak with Brian regarding his suite and their retainer arrangements, which was usually dealt with by Ted.
The clincher was when Brian strolled outside to find the kids had all piled into John’s big black beast, while Justin sat grinning behind the wheel of their Jeep SUV with Debbie and Carl in the back seat. Begrudgingly, Brian got into the passenger seat. They were about halfway on their very quiet ride home when Brian turned in his seat to face Debbie.
“I’m…”
“No!” Debbie sternly said as she pointed a sharp blood red manicured finger at Brian. With his eyes cast down Brian awaited his fate. “Brian Kinney, don’t you dare say you’re sorry. You have nothing to be sorry about.” Brian looked up to search her eyes. “You read the situation and saw something in Michael yesterday then warned the girls. You made sure their day would turn out to be the happiest day of their lives. Thank you, Sweetheart,” Debbie said with sincerity.
After a few moments, Carl had to ask. “Brian, what did Michael do that made you suspicious?” Carl, ever the detective, asked Brian.
Brian closed his eyes as he pinched his nose, gathering his thoughts before answering Carl’s question. “It was more of a feeling than what Michael actually did, plus there was one more thing,” Brian said but hesitated to explain.
“Go on,” urged Debbie.
“You’re going to think it’s petty and stupid,” said Brian.
“Say it anyway,” Debbie demanded.
“He was wearing the wrong suit.”
“What?” asked Carl.
“Is that what you meant when you said his suit was old,” asked Debbie. Brian nodded.
“I know Michael’s wardrobe. He usually sends me a picture when he buys something new. He bought a very nice suit weeks ago for the wedding but he wasn’t wearing it,” Brian explained. “I just knew he was going to do something stupid and I…”
“You had to do something to fix it,” Carl said finishing Brian’s thought.
“You did good, Kiddo,” Debbie proudly said. Brian gave Debbie a shy smile then turned around. He closed his eyes then let out a long breath as he settled back into his seat for the rest of the ride home.
“Brian, we’re home,” Justin softly said as he gently caressed Brian’s face. Brian stretched as he opened his eyes.
“How long was I out?”
“Not long. I just dropped off Debbie and Carl,” Justin replied.
“Where are the kids?”
“Patrick went to go study. Debbie wants to do dinner for all of us tonight so she has Bree helping,” said Justin. “I think Carl has Ashley and Peter picking herbs and vegetables in their garden.”
“I’m sensing Debbie’s world famous spaghetti with meat sauce on the menu tonight,” Brian snarked.
“Famous in Pittsburgh anyway,” Justin commented. “We have several hours yet. Why don’t we go inside and relax. I could use some tea.” Brian agreed.
“What about our bags?” Brian asked as he opened the car door.
“Later, they’re fine where they are for now,” Justin suggested. He picked up the basket that held the remainder of Emmett’s goodies then went into the cottage. Justin filled the kettle and started a new pot of coffee as Brian went to their room to change. That’s where Justin found him sitting on the bed staring off into space. Justin quietly sat next to his spouse to wait.
“I’m not sure if Michael’s marriage will survive this,” Brian whispered.
“Not sure either but do we have to solve this today?” Justin asked as he leaned over to kiss Brian’s shoulder.
“No, not today.”
“Then I suggest we shut down our brains for the rest of the weekend and become couch potatoes,” said Justin.
“Don’t think I remember how to be a couch potato,” Brian replied with a sigh.
“That’s the thing about couch potatoes, no thinking required. Besides, you’re a smart man; I’m sure it’ll come back to you,” said Justin as he stood then extended his hand to Brian. “I made coffee.”
“Now that I remember what to do with,” Brian said as he took Justin’s hand. Justin tugged Brian up then gave him a hug, holding him close for a moment before leading Brian to the kitchen.
*****
“Grandma Deb, is Uncle Michael okay?” Bree asked. Bree was mincing fresh garlic and parsley while Debbie was dicing tomatoes and onions.
“I honestly don’t know,” Debbie said with concern in her voice. “I love that boy more than my life but sometimes he doesn’t have the common sense God gave an ant.”
“Are you angry with my Dada?” Bree kept cutting up the herbs Deb gave her, keeping her eyes down at the task at hand.
Debbie stopped chopping to reply to the petite young lady. “No, Sweetheart, I’m not angry with him. I’m very proud of your Dada; he saved that wedding. And this isn’t the first wedding he helped to fix.”
“It isn’t?” Bree asked as she looked up.
“Nope. When JR’s Moms had trouble with their wedding plans, your Dada stepped in and helped to organize things. And when my Michael and Ben decided to get married, your Dada found them a beautiful cake. No, your Dada is the master of fixing things.”
Bree smiled to herself as she kept on working.
*****
Ashley and Peter were in the vegetable patch charged with picking cucumbers and more tomatoes. In the greenhouse was lettuce and spinach waiting for them as well.
“You and Joe looked good dancing together yesterday,” Ashley commented as she examined a cucumber before deciding it was good enough to pick.
“Thank you. If I did it was because of all the lessons you and Bree gave me,” replied Peter. He held out the large basket he was holding for Ashley’s cucumber.
“Sometimes I wish…” Ashley began.
“What do you wish?”
“That I had someone to dance with,” Ashley mumbled. She moved off toward the tomatoes.
“I’ll dance with you any time you want and I’ll always be your friend,” began Peter. “No matter what,” Peter insisted.
“Are you sure Joe won’t mind?” Ashley asked with a shy smile.
“Nope. Joe and I talk a lot about everything including alternative relationships.”
“Have you learned anything?”
“Yup! I’ve learned is that relationships are whatever works for you.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that I can dance with whoever I want to, whenever I want to and it’s nobody’s business,” Peter said adamantly.
Ashley smiled broadly as they went into the greenhouse for lettuce and spinach. Peter wore a matching smile.
*****
When Michael woke up late the day after the wedding, he woke up to an empty space beside him. He didn’t think too much about it, figuring Ben got home late and chose to sleep in the guest room. Michael got out of bed, searched for some clothes then quickly went to the kitchen. That’s where he found Ben sipping a cup of tea and reading the newspaper. Ben loved the feel of a real newspaper and relished those quiet moments.
“Good morning,” Michael cheerfully greeted Ben.
“Morning,” Ben mumbled.
“What time did you get home?”
“Late.”
“What time is the party?”
“What party?”
“Aren’t the Moms throwing a party? I bet Brian’s taking over the whole thing; he never knows his place. JR’s my daughter, not his,” Michael snapped.
Ben looked up from his paper, giving Michael an incredulous look. He then glanced at the kitchen clock.
“Brian and everyone else who lives on the lane should be almost home by now,” Ben explained.
“Did JR go to the lane?”
“Michael, what planet do you live on, the girls should be halfway to Philly.”
“I don’t understand,” said Michael, seemingly confused.
“Okay, let me spell it out for you,” Ben started in an uncharacteristic sarcastic tone. “In spite of your attempt to ruin JR’s wedding, your daughter and her new spouse are driving to Philadelphia where they will stay for a few days until their flight to London, as planned. When they get to London, they will be staying in a very nice home in the heart of the city for several weeks. And then return to Pittsburgh to resume their lives. Do you understand,” Ben said. He then stood up, walked to the sink where he dumped the remainder of his now cold tea.
“Michael, I’m going to take a long hot shower then head to the lane, alone. And Michael, please don’t call,” said Ben as he left the kitchen. Michael stood in the kitchen not fully comprehending what had just happened.
Within a couple of hours Ben was on the road in a rented car driving to the lane but not before he made a few stops.
“Thank you for seeing me at such short notice,” said Ben as the apartment door opened.
“No problem, please come in,” Mel politely replied as she led Ben to the kitchen. “Coffee? Tea”
“Tea if you have it,” said Ben as he sat at the table. “My morning cup was interrupted,” he mumbled.
“What can I do for you?” Mel asked, dreading the answer.
“It’s over, I can’t live this, and I can’t make any more excuses for his behavior. If it wasn’t for Brian’s quick actions, JR’s big day would have been a disaster.”
“I know. Brian must be psychic,” said Mel.
“No, just very astute. I realize we’re technically not married here but I did file for domestic partnership years ago. I’d like that dissolved and if possible, file for divorce in Canada.”
“I’m so sorry,” Melanie sincerely exclaimed. “Not that I’m surprised, I’ve always wondered what you saw in him but I’ve always admired you for sticking to your vows. You always tried to see the good side of him.” Mel placed a mug of tea in front of Ben. For a moment Ben appeared to relish the warmth of the mug before taking a sip. Melanie took that opportunity to pull out a legal pad to make some notes.
“I’ll be staying at the cabin for the summer. I’m taking my laptop but there’s no printer or fax,” Ben said after a while.
“No worries, I can always drive out if you have to sign something or call Bobby or Brian. They both have fully equipped offices,” Mel said. “Ben, I realize you’re very angry at the moment, but before you dissolve your partnership you may want to think about health insurance.”
“I have great health insurance.”
“What about Michael? Is he covered under your policy? If you dissolve your partnership, he might lose his coverage. We’re not getting any younger; he may need that coverage.”
“Can I divorce him and still cover him?”
“Yes, it’s a lot more common than you think,” replied Mel. She topped off Ben’s tea, giving him time to think about it. “I can check your policy to see the requirements. There’s one more thing, I’m happy to start the process but I’ve represented Michael in the past, mainly in a business capacity. If you feel this is a conflict of interest, please feel free to contact another lawyer. I can refer you or ask Bobby. I’m sure he’ll give you good advice. In the meantime, here’s a list of documents I’d like you to find; please send me copies at your earliest convenience,” Mel said as she handed Ben the list.
“May I also suggest you seek counsel. Talk to Brian, I know you two are close. You have good friends Ben, no one will judge you,” Mel said. “And for God’s sake tell Debbie as soon as possible. Don’t let her find out from someone else.”
Ben smirked as he nodded. “I’ll tell her as soon as I get to the lane,” Ben promised.
“Good, now get out of here and go relax. You have plenty of time to work out the details,” said Mel as she showed Ben to the door.
“Melanie, I don’t know how to thank you,” Ben began as he was overcome with emotion.
“I should be thanking you for your years of devotion to JR. You are the best father our daughter could’ve ever had,” said Mel. “Please stay in her life.”
“I always will,” Ben promised as he tucked the list into his pocket and left.
Ben was deep in thought as he walked down the short flight of steps to the lobby. He was about to go through the first set of doors when he hesitated. The building’s security noticed.
“Professor, are you okay?” Chris asked.
“Hi Christopher, yes, I’m fine. Just wool gathering, as my Mama used to say. Do you know if Emmett and Drew are home?”
“Yes, sir. Mr. Boyd just returned with the morning paper.”
“Thank you,” Ben said as he approached their door and rang the buzzer.
“Ben, what brings you to this neck of the woods?” asked Drew when he opened the door.
“I had an appointment with Melanie,” Ben confessed as Drew showed the distraught man into the apartment and to the kitchen. Ben sat at the table.
“Ben, honey, what’s wrong,” Emmett asked as he breezed into the room. Then it all came tumbling out. “I’m so sorry but honestly not surprised. And I second Mel’s suggestion that you take some time for yourself. The world won’t collapse if you take the summer off and live like Daniel Boone for a while.” Emmett smiled broadly at Ben who couldn’t help grinning.
“I get it. I just have a few errands to run before heading to the cabin. I left in such a hurry that I didn’t take any food with me. My next stop is the market.”
“No, it isn’t. Stop by the bistro first. Sean is there and he’ll have a cooler waiting for you. Since the girls won’t be home for a while and I already filled their freezer, we still have plenty of yummy things left over. I was already planning to send meals to the Kemp center and the Grassi house. No excuses, you know I always overdo, so there’s plenty to go around,” Emmett said with a toothy grin. “Besides, you love my chicken and rice.”
“Emmett, you’re the best. Drew, you have a real treasure here.”
“Don’t I know it!” Drew agreed.
“Thank you, Emm, I mean it. Will you be spending some time on the lane this summer?”
“Yes, we are; we’ll be neighbors,” Emmett replied.
“I’d like that. I better get going and thanks again guys. I really needed this,” said Ben. “Uh, one more thing, the apartment next door, is there a tenant?”
“No one permanent, why?” said Drew.
“Do you think Brian would mind if I rented?”
“Not at all, ask him yourself when you get to the lane. But please speak to Debbie first, I can just hear the screaming now if she hears it from someone else,” Emmett begged.
“I will. Promise,” said Ben as he held up a hand.
Feeling much better than he did an hour ago, Ben stopped by the bistro. Sean presented him with a large cooler of goodies and a large cup of Ben’s favorite tea for the road. Next was a quick stop at his office at the university. It wasn’t uncommon for instructors to be there even on a holiday, especially at end of term. Ben retrieved most of the documents that were on Mel’s list then he was back on the road heading for the cabin. It was early evening when he arrived.
The lane families were in the sun porch setting the table and preparing for Debbie’s spaghetti with meat sauce and all that goes with it. The gate buzzer went off signaling that someone entered the lane.
There were times when the Kinney brothers shared one brain and this was one of them. They exchanged a look that asked and answered a question. ‘Are we expecting anyone? No.’ John and Brian quickly left the sun porch to check on their visitor. After a few minutes they returned with the party in question.
“Ben, honey, stay for dinner,” Debbie immediately asked the sad looking man.
“Debbie, I…” Debbie gave the big man a strong hug.
“You’ve had enough, I can see it in your eyes. I’m more disappointed with him. I understand why you left him and don’t blame you one bit. Now, please stay for dinner. We have salad with garden fresh vegetables and I have a little plain sauce if you don’t care for the meat sauce on the spaghetti,” said Debbie.
“You’re not angry with me?”
“No, sweetheart, how can I be? Despite my asshole son, you helped to make JR and Jacq’s wedding wonderful. He acted shamefully; I may never forgive him. Will you be staying on the lane?” Ben nodded. “Good. Now let’s eat before my dinner is ruined,” Debbie loudly announced.
The flavorful aroma of Deb’s sauce and thick garlic bread was mouth watering. Everyone sat at the table and when plates were full, they dug in. Even Ben enjoyed the world famous meat sauce.
When the sun was just below the trees, Brian walked Ben to the cabin. He helped Ben unload his car. In no time, the cooler was emptied and the cabin inspected.
“Do you want a small fire? It’s still a little cool at night,” Brian asked.
“No thank you, I’ll be fine. There are extra blankets in the closet if it gets too cold. Are you angry with me?”
“For what, leaving him? Fuck no. You should have done this years ago. You’re a good man, you deserve a good partner not some deranged psycho with no common sense. I’ll always love him but I haven’t liked him for a very long time. It’s like he’s stuck in some time warp. I bet he’s still waiting for Biff and Bop to invite him over for cocktails.”
“Biff and Bop moved away years ago. Our neighborhood wasn’t gentrified enough for them. Michael was always stubborn but in the beginning, he could be reasoned with. But lately, especially after his illness, it’s like you said, he’s stuck. We’ve gone to couples therapy, made some breakthroughs then the old pattern emerges again.
“I’m tired, Brian. And what he did or rather didn’t do yesterday was the last straw. I’m done. I’ve asked Melanie to look into dissolving our domestic partnership and getting a divorce in Canada.”
“I’m sorry,” was all that the adman could say.
“Please don’t be. You’re right I should have done this years ago but I just kept hoping. Brian, that apartment on the first floor of your building, could I rent it?”
“It’s yours. I’ll let Ted know; he and Emm have keys. It’s currently furnished, very neutral looking with all new appliances as of last year. I’ll have John send in a crew to check it over and update anything as needed. You staying here for the summer?” Ben nodded. “Then we’ll have it ready for you by Labor Day. Did you happen to pack your passport?”
“Yes, why?”
“I’m taking the blonds and possibly Ashley with me to London when school is out. Maybe I’ll take Peter, not sure yet. Come with us.”
“Excuse me?”
“Come. With. Us. You need a break and I have a fucking mansion in the middle of London with a gazillion empty rooms. Besides, we have staff with no one to fuss over. Bored staff is unhappy staff. Not to mention the chauffeurs are hot and will drive you to any museum you’d like. Take in a little culture and I promise you no comics in sight unless you want one.”
“Thank you. I may just take you up on your offer. A little history and culture never hurt anyone,” Ben said with a smile.
“There you go. Hudson will appreciate your punctuality and neatness. Cook will have a ball cooking your twigs and oats,” Brian snarked.
Ben let out a real laugh. He hadn’t laughed so hard in years. Brian watched then at some point wrapped his arms around his muscular friend.
“I loved him,” Ben whispered as his laughter turned to tears.
“I know. But without mutual respect and similar ideals, love isn’t always enough,” Brian gently replied. “You grew, you became a part of the society at large. Mikey is stuck in a loop, destined to make the same mistakes over and over because he doesn’t learn from them. You tried pulling him out of the loop; we all know you tried. Now it’s Ben time.”
Brian dropped his hold on Ben to search a cabinet. Finding what he was looking for, Brian poured out two shot glasses of Beam. He handed one glass to Ben.
“Repeat after me - 'It’s my time',” Brian commanded as he clinked his glass with Ben’s. Then he downed his shot.
“It’s my time,” Ben repeated then followed Brian’s example.
“Good boy. Now chill. You know where to find us. The Wilders are due tomorrow morning. I’m cooking. Come over if you want breakfast,” Brian informed Ben as he gave his friend another hug. “You’ll get through this. I promise,” said Brian as he left.
Ben took one more look around the cabin before going to bed.